The Licensing Sub-Committee met on 24 January 2024 and granted a new premises licence for FeastyFest, subject to conditions. The committee also agreed to the minutes of the previous meeting.

Licence Application for FeastyFest

The Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for FeastyFest, located at Cheam Park, Tudor Close, Cheam, to Mr Michael Quinton. The licence permits the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment including live and recorded music, plays, films, dance performances, indoor sporting events, and boxing or wrestling demonstrations. The proposed hours for licensable activities are:

• Saturday: Opening hours from 11:00 to 22:30, with alcohol sales from 11:00 to 22:00. Recorded and live music will be permitted from 11:00 to 22:30, and other regulated entertainment from 11:00 to 22:00.
• Sunday: Opening hours from 10:00 to 21:00, with alcohol sales from 10:00 to 20:30. Recorded and live music will be permitted from 10:00 to 21:00, and other regulated entertainment from 10:00 to 20:30.

The decision was made after considering representations from Other Persons, including the West Sutton Little League and a local resident. The West Sutton Little League raised concerns about the impact of the event on their football pitches and the safety of children using the park on Saturdays before 1 pm. They specifically objected to the proposed vehicle access arrangements, stating that vehicles driving across the grass pitches could cause significant damage and pose a risk to public safety.

A local resident also objected, citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. They highlighted potential issues with managing alcohol sales in a large open area, past incidents of anti-social behaviour, increased noise levels, and the suitability of wrestling for children at a family-oriented event. The resident also noted that tickets had already been marketed and sold prior to the consultation period, which they felt undermined the objection process. Concerns were also raised about the event's impact on the Cheam Village Conservation Area and its biodiversity.

The applicant, Mr Michael Quinton, explained that FeastyFest is a not-for-profit event that has been running since 2018, with donations made to local charities. He assured the committee that parking would be managed with a marshalled one-way system that would not use Tudor Close, and that organisers worked closely with the Police and Licensing teams. He also detailed plans for increased toilet facilities, security, CCTV, and a traffic management plan in conjunction with TfL. Mr Quinton confirmed that wrestling would be a demonstration by a company and not involve public participation.

The Sub-Committee decided to grant the licence subject to a comprehensive list of conditions derived from the applicant's operating schedule. These conditions cover various aspects of the licensing objectives, including:

• Prevention of Crime and Disorder: Requirements for a duty manager contact number, a significant number of SIA-registered door supervisors on both Saturday and Sunday, CCTV operation, an incident log, an anti-theft, weapons, and drug policy, bag searches upon entry, Heras fencing, orderly queue management, and monitoring of off-sales consumption. The last admission time on Saturday is set at 19:00.
• Public Safety: Ensuring adequate external lighting, a maximum accommodation limit of 9999 persons, and a system to monitor attendee numbers in real-time.
• Prevention of Public Nuisance: Displaying local public transport and taxi details, submitting an Event Safety Management Document to relevant authorities, a documented dispersal policy, and an event management plan for noise mitigation if live music is the primary entertainment.
• Protection of Children from Harm: Implementing a Challenge 25 age verification scheme, requiring photographic identification, and maintaining a refusals book. Staff must be trained in Challenge 25 and the Ask Angela initiative.

The Sub-Committee noted that following negotiations with the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Pollution Control Team, the applicant had amended their operating schedule with additional conditions, satisfying their initial concerns. The Sub-Committee also acknowledged the applicant's experience and commitment to working with the local community. They also noted that should any problems arise following the grant of the licence, a review application could be submitted.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Wendy Clark, Councillor Richard Clifton (Vice Chair: Planning Committee), and Councillor Bobby Dean, who was elected Chair for the duration of the meeting. The Clerk, Cathy Hayward, welcomed those present. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 December 2023 were agreed as an accurate record. The Sub-Committee also noted the Council's procedure for licensing hearings. The meeting concluded at 11:14 am.